In the wake of the announcement that the Steel Curtain would be closed for the 2024 season, Kennywood enthusiasts took to social media to poke the amusement park for its $75 entrance fee.
The reasoning, in part, went something like, “You’re charging $75 to get in, and one of the biggest attractions isn’t even open?!?”
Kennywood’s general admission ticket price ($74.99), however, largely falls in line with other amusement parks, including Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio ($74.99), Hershey Park in Hershey ($86.95) and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster ($69.99).
It’s cheaper than Six Flags in New Jersey ($99.99).
Season pass prices and the single-day general admission price have remained the same since last season, Kennywood spokeswoman Tasha Pokrzywa said via email. Pricing is subject to change throughout the season, Pokrzywa said.
There are ways around paying full price for a one-day admission at Kennywood. As with many amusement parks, online discounts are offered. The best pricing for Kennywood can always be found online, Pokrzywa said. Single-day tickets and season passes currently are on sale for up to 50% off when purchased online, Pokrzywa said. Kennywood offers discounts on single-day tickets and season passes throughout the season.
Kennywood offers military discounts for veterans and active duty military that can be redeemed at the main gate as well as discounted prices for seniors that are typically $5 lower.
Email offers are also sent throughout the season. The price can decrease if guests choose a specific day to visit or bring a large group.
Discounts are available through AAA — a ticket to Kennywood is $32.50 for its members through May 19.
“AAA partners with hundreds of organizations to provide discounts to members so that they can save on their summer adventures,” said Tiffany Stanley, spokesperson for AAA East Central.
Discounts vary depending on the time of the season. The discounts are higher earlier in the season, and they can’t be used for other special or private park events.
Giant Eagle has offered discounts in the past, but a spokesman said the company will not be doing so this year.
There are also season passes.
A season pass can pay for itself after two or three visits. Season passes for Kennywood range from $109.99 to $239.99 per person and include entrance into Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild and SoakZone, as well as Dutch Wonderland.
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Some of the most expensive passes allow for entrance into other parks. The less expensive ones have blackout dates.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
What the other amusement parks cost
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, $74.99.
Includes: All rides, parking and some food. Cedar Point Shores waterpark is an additional $49.99.
Six Flags, New Jersey, $99.99.
Includes: All rides. Parking is $45. Food is additional.
Idlewild & Soak Zone, Ligonier, $64.99.
Includes: All rides and character meets. Parking is free. Food is additional.
Sandcastle waterpark, West Homestead, $59.99.
Includes: All rides. Parking is $20. Food is additional.
Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, $69.99.
Includes: All rides and character meet and greets as well as a preview of the park the day before from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is $20. Food is additional.
Waldameer Water World, Erie, $52.
Includes: All rides and slides. Parking is free. Food is additional.
Hershey Park, Hershey, $86.95.
Includes: All rides and slides. Parking is $35. Food is additional.
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park,Orlando, Fla. $109.
Includes: All rides in that park. Parking is $30. Food is additional.